Role of Vitamin A for Aging Skin

An interesting recent development in the dermatological world has been the publication of reports that a cream containing a form of vitamin A (Retin-A) applied to the skin could literally roll back the years and remove wrinkles from older skin.

A number of studies have subsequently been carefully carried out using creams containing small concentrations of this vitamin A-like preparation in highly respected dermatology departments. It appears that regular use of these vitamin A preparations results in the disappearance of both small surface wrinkles and in some cases, some of the deeper, apparently more permanent skin creases that develop on skin as it gets older.

Some of the volunteers who used these vitamin A preparations on their skin consented to have small skin biopsies taken from their face or arm before and after using Retin-A for several months. Comparison of the before and after biopsies showed that after a few months of Retin-A treatment the epidermis became thicker, with a larger number of cell layers than was present before.

Some studies also made the unexpected discovery that the underlying dermis was thicker and more plumped-up, a picture usually seen in younger skin. The claims made for vitamin A preparations applied to the skin externally as partial restorers of lost youth are indeed true.

However, it must be stressed that these are creams containing small concentrations of a derivative of vitamin A, and that increasing vitamin A in the diet, taking vitamin A capsules by mouth, or applying vitamin A capsules to the skin would not have the same effect.

A further important point to bear in mind is that most people who apply Retin-A to their skin find that they can no longer tolerate natural sunlight. For this reason, part of the routine of becoming a Retin-A user involves reducing sunbathing activity and encourage to use high SPF sun-screen when outdoors in sunny weather.

Retin-A can indeed play a big role in skin care for aging skin in reducing wrinkles and restoring youth.

Christine Marshall is a researcher and writer for skin care at http://www.skincare-review.org/. Check out her many reviews and information on skin care for aging skin.